Shelbyville Times-Gazette: Local News: Chili cookoff, cars highlight city fair (07/12/09)

From left, County Mayor Eugene Ray greets Terry Hagler and Mark Featherstone, who came to the fair to serve their homemade ice cream.
(T-G Photo by Micky Pietkiewicz) [Order this photo]

People from all across the country came to Shelbyville for the Historic Uptown City Fair Saturday. The Tennessee State Chili Cook-Off Championship brought couples from Mississippi and California to Shelbyville to sweat it out for the state chili cook-off title.

James and Sylvia Rasey traveled all the way from California to participate in the chili cook-off. James, who is retired from the Navy, travels around the country to participate in both salsa and chili cook-offs. The couple entered both their red and green chili.

"Life's good," James, who won the Oklahoma State salsa championship, said.

Mike and Wanda Dearing chop vegetables in preparation for the Tennessee State chili cook-off championship.
(T-G Photo by Micky Pietkiewicz)

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Mike and Wanda Dearing, of Newton, Miss., also came to Shelbyville for the chili cook-off. Wanda Dearing, the current Louisiana state chili verde champion, said she will soon compete in the World Championship.

Past visits present

Antique and restored cars were lined around the square for people to see as they walked from booth to booth. Kevin and Pam Barton, of Murfreesboro, brought their 1974 MGB Roadster. The red convertible is one of only 105 roadsters that came with an overdrive transmission.

"Every evening after work we take a ride through the country," said Pam. The couple has driven the car to California and Las Vegas.

Donald Street brought his blue 1970 Ford 100 Sport Custom for the car show.

"It's in its original condition. I've had it painted once and had a new set of tires put on but that's it," he said.

Michael Holt brought his 1966 black Chevrolet.

"I've owned it for 20 years and about 3 years ago I started restoring it. I just recently finished the restoration," said Holt.

Goodies galore

Numerous vendors were set up around the square.

Terry Hagler, Mark Featherstone and Paxton Morton were set up and ready to serve their homemade coconut ice cream, even though they were without their "Hit 'n Miss" ice cream machine.

Curtis Malone, owner of Malone's Custom B-B-Q, began to grill chicken, hot dogs and bologna early Saturday morning.

Art and Jackie Harold set up a booth with all handcrafted items made by Art. The two have a shop in Columbia, where Art constructs decorative items for the home.

There were booths that sold purses, jewelry, gourmet barbecue sauce and salsa, handmade soap, food, and just about anything a shopper might be looking for.